Low testosterone is a hormonal change that affects many men between the ages of 50 and 70 years old. While Low T can occur in men of any age, is most common among this age group due to the naturally declining testosterone levels that come with getting older.
Signs of Declining Testosterone Levels
Some symptoms of declining testosterone levels include: low libido, erectile dysfunction, sleep disturbances, depression, fatigue, decreased stamina, loss of muscle mass, and insulin resistance. Although they may experience symptoms, many men don’t seek treatment for low T. Some keep their symptoms to themselves because they are unsure how to start the conversation with their doctor, while others may attribute their symptoms to stressful situations, thinking they will subside once things return to normal.
Links to Other Health Problems
Similar to the role that fluctuating hormone levels can have in women, low testosterone can also play a large role in the bigger picture of men’s health. Low T has shown links to insulin resistance, obesity, cardiovascular events, and systematic inflammation, all of which can be part of more serious health problems such as type II diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Because low testosterone levels are associated with insulin resistance, low T and diabetes often go hand-in-hand. In fact, according to the American Diabetes Association, men with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to have low testosterone as men who don’t have diabetes. Despite the demonstrated links, it is not yet clear whether low testosterone is the cause or is a result of these related health problems.
Hormone Testing for Men
When it comes to hormone testing, knowing what to test for is just as important as the test itself. In this case, the suggested labs would be for: total testosterone, free testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Dhea, estradiol, and prostate specific antigen (PSA).
Typically, one will see SHBG rise- because it is binding to testosterone, which in turn, lowers the portion of hormone that is actually available to use.
LH and FSH also rise when the testes produce less testosterone.
The estradiol to free testosterone ratio is important as well. Just like women have testosterone, men produce estrogen as well. A main key to hormone happiness is balance. If estradiol is low, the symptoms of low testosterone are augmented. If estradiol is high, it can also lead to cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
There are many reasons for men to consider whether testosterone therapy would benefit them for symptom relief and/or for more long-term health benefits.
Once uncovered, low testosterone can be easily treated by a physician. Treatment options including gels, patches, and injections can help increase testosterone levels and improve quality of life. There are also supportive measures for testosterone replacement such as: Vitamin D, resistance training, Tribulus (a plant used for boosting testosterone levels), Maca (root to stimulate libido), dhea and adaptogens like Ashwaghanda (traditional Ayurveda medicine that is known to be associated with male virility and vitality).
I find that I often focus on the hormone needs of women and neglect to educate women on the hormone needs of men. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the knowledgeable voice of encouragement for the man in your life. For anyone showing signs of low T, a little research and conversation with the doctor is a good place to start.